Has anybody else experienced Pre-eclampsia?
I have!
Did you have Pre-eclampsia in any other pregnancies following?
I had it in my next (and only other) pregnancy. It was milder (and it was pretty mild with my first too but did start at the same gestation (34 weeks). My consultant estimated I'd have a 1 in 6 chance of getting it again when I saw her antenatally with my second.
How was your birthing experience?
It was ok I guess. First was better than my second, as there were no delays, and for other reasons (more later). Obviously not the going into labour naturally on or shortly after my due date I was hoping for, but can't complain. Naturally my body wasn't ready either time for labour with a Bishop score of 0 and 1 respectively. Contractions only started with the drip. I can't say if it hurt more than a natural labour (not having one to compare to), but I found the early hours on the drip manageable. I was always open to pain relief, and had some both times at 5cm. Diamorphine with my first, and epidural with my second. I wasn't particularly keen on having an epidural, but labour wasn't progressing, and since who knows how much longer I could be labouring for I opted for the longer term pain relief option. As it happens it was only a few hours, no more progression was being made, and baby was starting to show signs of distress, so I had a C-section. Turns out baby was back to back with a deflexed head (looking up slightly). He was never coming vaginally. Unlike my first who came vaginally after a reasonably uneventful labour.
How was recovery for you after birth?
Tbh, both were ok. I was sore for a little while after my first thanks to the few stitches needed. The C-section recovery was harder in comparison, but much easier than expected. I was standing and lifting baby only a few hours post surgery, and could manage a slow shuffle to the toilet not long after that. Only got better from there. I also didn't have any trouble with wind or constipation either which was nice.
Any tips on how to stay sane as an inpatient?
Get off the ward as often and for as long as you can! As long as you stay in hospital grounds, ideally in populated areas, and have your phone on you, no reason why not. Failing that, vast amounts of books, puzzles, and movies/TV. I got out my old Where's Wally books!